My love for books began in 5th grade at my public school. One day, our teacher Karale sir walked in and said, “Close all windows and doors and turn off all lights”. A single light remained which illuminated his expressive face. It was dark and silent as we students waited in anticipation. He launched into a story about the life of the freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad. Revolution! Uprising! Heroic end!  We were captivated, fully concentrated, and energized. Karale sir sparked my interest in the lives of freedom fighters. I was not only inspired to do something for my nation but a hunger for stories had been ignited in me.

However, access to more stories and information was limited. I started borrowing books from those who had them. I found a scrapbook shop selling old newspapers and books. The books were cheap, but my pocket money of 10 or 20 paise (less than one US cent) a day was insufficient. I offered to clean the shop in exchange for borrowing books for free. The shopkeeper agreed. I read like I never did before until my father disapproved of my serving to the shopkeeper.

At 12, I found a job at a stationery shop where I could access new books. The shop was crowded in the evening, but afternoons were quiet, and I could read to whatever I love. During this time, I was associated with an NGO called Khelghar which support slum children through remedial classes. The NGO’s founder saw my hunger for learning and reading and opened her home library to me. She later created a library in the organization, giving me access to hundreds of books that shaped my personality.

Looking back, I see a tremendous transformation in my life through books. I was once deeply religious, praying 2-3 times a day and visiting temples. But I started to read different perspectives on Hinduism, caste, class etc. and found rationality, developed my scientific temper, became grounded in facts and reality, and gradually became an atheist. This doesn’t mean that I disrespect religion but that I understand why people may have certain beliefs.

Another significant change was my attitude towards women. Reading about Savitribai Phule, Bahinabai Chowdhary, Ramabai, and novels like “Not without My Daughter” and “Anne Frank” taught me about women’s struggles. Previously, I was unaware of the societal challenges that women face, even believing that they are supposed to be lower in status than men. Now, I am a firm believer in equality.

Books also inspired me to contribute to society. Reading about freedom fighters, thinkers, and social activists motivated me to write poems; and sing rebellious songs about farmer struggles class conflicts, and capitalism. I would perform at colleges and community gatherings. My writing and communication skills improved, allowing me to participate actively in discussions with better clarity.

While many of my friends became daily wage workers or engaged in semi-skilled jobs, my love for books set me apart. We went through the same school and colleges, but reading habit shaped my future differently. While many got dragged into violence and drug and alcohol addiction, I immersed myself in books.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took years of consistent reading to become who I am today.

I am no longer just a reader; I am also an advocate for accessibility to books and a promoter of reading culture and love for books.